President William Ruto has initiated a series of significant changes in the leadership of key State Agencies, replacing several officeholders and introducing new appointments in a Gazette Notice dated January 17, 2025. These changes aim to inject fresh leadership into various institutions, with most appointees serving three-year terms.
Among the notable appointments is ODM Treasurer Timothy Bosire, a close ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, as the non-executive chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Bosire replaces Manoj Shah, whose appointment was revoked. His term begins immediately and runs for three years.
Bernard William Chitunga has been appointed Chancellor of the Co-operative University of Kenya. Chitunga, a seasoned global development finance professional with 15 years of experience across Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia, brings significant expertise. His appointment took effect on January 10, 2025.
Mohamed Ibrahim Elmi has been named non-executive chairperson of the National Livestock Development and Promotion Service, with his term commencing January 17, 2025. Similarly, Daniel Mwirigi M’Amanja takes up the role of non-executive chairperson of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), effective January 10, 2025.
In the energy sector, George Wanga assumes the position of non-executive chairperson of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for a three-year term starting January 17, 2025. His appointment follows the revocation of Jackton Boma Ojwang’s tenure.
Edwin Sudi Wandabusi has been appointed non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Film Commission, with immediate effect, while Kadhua Jimmy Kahindi takes over as chairperson of the Kenya Fishing Industries Corporation starting January 17, 2025.
Ahmed Kolosh Mohamed will serve as the non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) for three years, effective January 17, 2025. This change displaces Hamisi Mwaguya, the outgoing chairperson.
The appointments underscore Ruto’s effort to align leadership in these agencies with his administration’s goals. By bringing new faces into critical institutions, the President appears keen on fostering growth and development across diverse sectors, including transport, livestock, energy, and film.
These moves, however, have sparked discussions about political balancing, given the inclusion of prominent figures like Timothy Bosire. Whether these appointments will lead to effective governance and policy implementation remains to be seen in the coming years.
